The Phillies and Pirates will play the rubber-match game of the series tonight. Even though the Pirates are a last place team, they’ve kept pace with the Phillies during this series. The games have been close and down to the wire.

The Phillies will hand the ball to J.A Happ, who has the lowest ERA of any rookie since Hideo Nomo in 1995. He has been one of the most consistent starters, and isn’t phased when runners reach base. Happ allowed one run in seven innings when he faced the Buccos in July. He limited them to four hits, and walked two.

Charlie Morton gave up two runs in 6.1 innings in his last outing, rebounding from a game in which he allowed ten runs in one inning. Morton faced the Phillies last season and gave up five runs in two innings. Shane Victorino homered off him. Victorino, the team’s leading hitter, is batting just .222 in the last seven days.

The offense needs to provide Happ with run support, something they’ve lacked in the past two games. With the ninth inning troubles, it would be nice for the Phillies to get a comfortable lead, big enough so that it is a non-save situation.

Your Gameday Beer – I.C. Light
When in Pittsburgh, drink the beer I suppose. This staple of Western PA carries little sophistication other than the many different tailgate games that it’s good for. The macrobrew is about on par with Miller, Bud and Coors (only around 4% ABV) except maybe with a little more soul. Eat it with some classic ‘burgh food like brats or any sandwich topped with french fries. – By Brian